VALE OF FFESTINIOG
Among the most important oak woodlands in Wales
The Vale of Ffestiniog, dividing Snowdonia to the north from the Rhiniog range to the south, contains one of the highest concentrations of ancient oak woods in Great Britain. Eight nature reserves are managed by Natural Resources Wales though five, because of the rugged terrain, are not for the faint-hearted; others fortunately are more accessible. There’s water, too, for the Afon Dwyryd has many tributaries some with waterfalls.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Coed Llyn Mawr has been well described as a Welsh rainforest, a hint as to the need to be well
prepared during unsettled weather. Part of the Coed Maentwrog NNR, a circular walk of about half-a-mile should result in sighting summer visiting Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers and residents like Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches. The small lake Llyn Mawr deserves your attention, the characteristic ‘spraints’ on prominent rocks a reminder that Otters regularly pass this way.
2 To the east of Llyn Mair is a further section of the Coedydd Maentwrog NNR, more fine woodlands while waterfalls are an added attraction; hard by is Coed y Bleiddiau, the ‘Forest of the Wolves’ where the last Wolf in Wales was slain early in the 16th century. Feeling energetic? Head out on to the open ground above to encounter a family of Ravens nosily announcing their presence, and Cuckoos and their main host species in North Wales, the Meadow Pipit.
3
The Afon Goedol dashes its way through Coed Cymerau NNR, which is largely steep and inaccessible. Close by, the Woodland Trust property Coed Cymerau Isfaf has a circular route with short sections of moderate gradients and the pleasure of woodland birds.
4 Ospreys nested in 2004 for the first time in Wales just a few miles away, so are likely along the lower reaches of the Afon Dwyryd, haunt of Red-breasted Mergansers, Goosanders, Common Sandpipers and Grey Wagtails. The woodlands of Ceunant Llennyrch NNR, with another waterfall, are easily reached.